Dec. 3, 2013 - 06:00AM
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The Air Force is offering future officers preparing to graduate from the ROTC program in 2014 the opportunity to walk away from their service commitments without having to repay their scholarships or monthly stipends, the service announced Tuesday.

Recent graduates in the Individual Ready Reserve who are waiting to enter active duty also may be eligible for release from their military service commitment, according to a release.

Cadets and graduates in the following career fields may apply for early release Jan. 6-24:

■ 13M Airfield Operations

■ 13N Nuclear and Missile Operations

■ 14N Intelligence

■ 17D Cyberspace Operations

■ 21A Aircraft Maintenance

■ 21M Munitions and Missile Maintenance

■ 21R Logistics Readiness

■ 31P Security Forces

■ 35P Public Affairs

■ 38P Personnel

■ 63A Acquisition

■ 64P Contracting

ROTC cadets approved for the program will stop receiving their monthly stipend March 1.

Recent commissioned officers in the career fields above are being encouraged to seek opportunities in the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve, the release said.

Other officer programs also are affected by the Air Force’s efforts to downsize the force, said Lt. Col. Jonelle Eychner, chief of officer accessions and training.

“We have also reduced officer training school where possible to ease the impact on ROTC,” Eychner said in the release. “But we can’t cut any deeper into OTS production without harming our ability to fill specific technical career fields.”

Cadets who want to apply for release from their service commitment should contact their ROTC detachment for eligibility and application information. Recently commissioned graduates in the Individual Ready Reserve should contact the Air Force Personnel Center Accessions office at 210-565-2275.